Tricking or treating, keep safety of children in mind.

Byline: Jim Feehan The Register-Guard

Safe and sane, those hallmark words of caution usually associated with Independence Day, also apply to Halloween.

Police and fire officials are urging children, parents and motorists to follow a few simple safety tips this Halloween season.

Motorists should drive cautiously Halloween night, as excited youngsters may dart out in front of cars. Homeowners should maintain a well-lighted doorstep and yard, and remove all obstacles from their lawns and steps to prevent children from being injured, Eugene police spokeswoman Kerry Delf said in a written statement.

She also offered the following trick-or-treating tips:

Ideally, allow your children to trick-or-treat only at the homes of people you trust. Be sure they are accompanied by a trusted adult. And be sure you know what route your children will take, and set a time limit for returning home. Have them carry a watch, and travel with others.

Tell your children to save their treats until you can examine them to be sure they are safe. Toss out anything that looks unsanitary or suspicious. Keep homemade treats only with great discretion and contact police about any suspicious treats or inappropriate behavior at houses visited.

Consider throwing your own Halloween party. Be sure all popcorn poppers and other electrical appliances are in good working order. Replace worn or frayed electrical cords.

Children should cross only at corners - never between parked cars - and always remove masks before crossing streets. Watch for cars that may be turning into or backing out of driveways. Walk facing oncoming traffic if there is no sidewalk.

Use flashlights or disposable lightsticks in place of candles in jack-o-lanterns. Keep matches, lighters and open flames out of children's reach. Do not place candles on porches, in walkways or near combustible materials. Keep all decorations away from light bulbs and open flames.

Costumes should be flame-resistant, reflective and safe. Capes should break away to avoid strangulation. Shoes should be functional, to avoid falls (sneakers, yes; high heels, no). Nontoxic face paint or cosmetics are safer than a plastic mask, which can restrict vision or breathing. Swords or knives should be made of flexible materials to avoid accidental or intentional injuries.

If a homeowner has turned off the porch lights, this means they don't want to be visited by trick-or-treaters.

Halloween also marks a busy time for firefighters.

During the three-day period surrounding Halloween, candle fires in Oregon increase by 25 percent, while incendiary and suspicious fires rise by 15 percent, according to Oregon State Fire Marshal Nancy Orr.

"Most adults and children find Halloween fun. Making fire safety a priority will prevent happy times from turning into tragedies," Orr said in a prepared statement.

She offered the following Halloween safety tips:

Blow out all candles before leaving the room or going to sleep.

Keep candles at least one foot away from things that may burn.

Always use a sturdy metal, glass or ceramic candle holder.

Orr also urged homeowners to place candles out of the reach of children and pets and to trim wicks to one-quarter inch. Candles with embedded items, such as twigs, flowers or leaves should be avoided, she said.